HARBOUR VIEW CHINESE RESTAURANT

            Being Chinese American, I had to try Chinese food, of course.  Several residents said, “The best is Harbour View.”  Just out of town, passed Chantilly’s and up the hill at the first intersection after the Trading Post, this restaurant has a bird’s nest view over Fatu Maru Bay.  We were quite surprised by the clean, pleasing décor in cool blue pastel with coordinated accents of Chinese Lanterns.  I remember, as a child, at San Francisco’s Chinatown, the best food was found in the tackiest hole-in-the-walls; the more grease on the walls, the better!  Melly Chan, owner, breaks the mold of the typical Chinese stereotype.  Originally from Hong Kong, she’s run Harbour View 17 years, the last 10 on her own.  Normally, she brings in new Chefs from China every 2 years, though the present one must be good, as he’s on his 5^th year.  The second Chef is newly arrived only 6 months ago.  Melly keeps her eye on trends and changes the menu every 2 years.  The latest change was only 4-5 months ago.  The vegetarian section has been expanded, new things added, and old favorites, like Fillet of Beef Chinese Style, kept.  “In old days, people only like sweet-sour pork an’ fried rice, now they more sophisticated, try authentic dishes like Hot Pot Egg Plant with Salty Fish,” smiles Melly.  I’m astonished.  Salt Fish (Hom Ngee) is definitely an acquired taste usually only found on Chinese language menus.  Mongolian Beef and hot and spicy Pork Chop with Spiced Salt are also distinctive and popular. 

            Our dining companions chose the Beef Fillet, melt-in-the-mouth tender, and the honorable classic, Roast Duck, which had perfectly crisp and golden skin with a hint of 5 spice.  Luc and I chose the newest dish, which is not yet even on the menu:  Steam Hot Pot.  It’s a Chinese version of fondue, where 2 or more people are presented with a brazier with hot soup and an enormous platter of assorted raw and cold goodies to plunge into the soup and cook as long as they like. (1500vt pp)  Healthful and delicious!  This is great fun for interactive people.  We dropped morsels of fish, beef, dumplings, prawns, etc. into the savory liquid, and added lettuce, egg, and long trailing threads of cellophane noodles.   We chatted, drank tea, munched bites of the other dishes while the treasures cooked. A few minutes later, we savored the fruits of our labor: flavorful soup and poached tidbits, which contrasted nicely with the hot spicy dipping sauce.  Ah-so, dish of many delights!

            Harbour view has something for everyone, brave or timid, adventurous or conventional.  With most dishes priced from around 1000vt up to 2600vt for seafood or exotics, most budgets can be accommodated.  A banquet room and Banquet Menus from 1300vt to 2500vtpp (Half price under 10 yrs old) are available.  Bring some friends and play Spin the Lazy Susan!  Next time I’m ordering the Hom Ngee!

            Open 7 days, Lunch 11:00-2:00, Dinner 6:00-10:00.  Phone: 23668.

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